Start a Lawn from Seed

Often a mixture of grass varieties work best for seeded lawns.

Grass seed is relatively inexpensive and covers a large area of prepared soil quickly. Buy the best quality seed so you can benefit from all the latest technology in breeding sturdy, disease-resistant grasses.

Seed mixtures combine several kinds of grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in various proportions. Their respective weaknesses offset each other to assure a green lawn all season. Blends, on the other hand, combine several varieties of the same kind of grass, such as three types of Kentucky bluegrass, to provide a uniform look. Local nurseries and garden centers carry formulations appropriate for your region.

The keys to success in growing a lawn from seed are proper timing, good preparation, and aftercare. Fall is the best time to sow cool-weather grass seed. In zones 5 to 7, for example, sow seed around Labor Day to give the grass time to extend its roots deeply into the soil so it can endure the heat of summer.

The healthier the soil, the better the lawn. Prepare the soil two weeks before you sow the seed to allow time to get rid of emerging weeds. Water faithfully and plan to add more seed the following year so your new lawn will be dense and plush.

In certain regions, the soil is more acid than grass prefers. If you live in such an area, spread dolomitic or granular limestone on the lawn, which takes effect in about 3 to 6 months. Lime is alkaline, so it neutralizes excess acidity, sweetening the soil. Never fertilize and lime a lawn at the same time. The combination produces ammonia gas, releasing the fertilizer's valuable nitrogen into the air.